Method for providing artificial basins, swimming pools and the like

ABSTRACT

A method for providing artificial basins, swimming pools, which includes the steps of performing an excavation that corresponds to the artificial basin according to design specifications, providing a substrate, on the surfaces of the excavation, and arranging equipment and piping for supplying and discharging water on the substrate. The method further includes distributing on the substrate and on the overlying equipment and piping a first layer, distributing a second layer, which is at least partially impermeable. After the consolidation of the second layer, the surface thereof is shaped with abrasive tools and instruments. At least one third layer is spread, and a fifth layer is spread, which is impermeable.

The present invention relates to a method for providing artificialbasins, swimming pools and the like.

In recent years there has been a significant spread of swimming poolsand, more generically, of bathing basins provided with aestheticcriteria that remind of natural environments, such as for examplebeaches, cliffs and the like.

In order to provide this type of basins, construction technologies thatare very similar to those used by set designers in reconstructinglandscapes for cinema or theatrical use are used.

In other words, normal construction methods of masonry basins have beenabandoned, using particular techniques for lining the excavations thatconstitute the reservoir of such basin.

The most appreciated techniques in use entail the arrangement of a lowerimpermeable liner that constitutes the water containment layer: theupper layers with structural, supporting and aesthetic function are thendeposited on this liner.

In this manner the liner, compressed by the water pressure (which isapplied through the lining and structural layers) on the walls of theexcavation, is not subjected to any mechanical load but performs onlythe function of containing the liquid. The shape of the basin, theparticular configuration of its surface, as well as the aestheticappearance and the surface characteristics of the material thatconstitutes it depend solely on the raw materials used.

It is therefore possible to provide surfaces adapted to faithfullyreproduce sandy shores, cliffs and other natural environments.

Unfortunately, even this embodiment has some important problems: firstof all, the waterproofing performed with the deepest layer (the linerarranged so as to rest on the soil of the excavation) entails a constantimpregnation of the structural, supporting and decorative layers. Thisimpregnation entails the stagnation of water, with the consequentforming of algae and overall aesthetic deterioration (but also afunctional one, since some surfaces can become slimy and, therefore,dangerous).

Moreover, algae consume the resin during their life cycle and thereforetheir presence requires the execution of operations for periodicmaintenance for resin coating the surfaces and treatment with chlorineand its derivatives.

Moreover, during periodic drainings of the basin it is in practiceimpossible to perform a washing that eliminates the foulings and thedeposits inside the structural and decorative layers. It is also notpossible to exclude that such pockets of stagnant water might facilitatethe proliferation of bacteria that might, in particularly negativecases, be harmful or pathogenic.

Prolonged impregnation might furthermore cause a degradation of themechanical properties of such layers: the superimposed layers might loseelasticity and rigidity. The forming of a crack in these layers mightgenerate a sharp edge which, in contact with the lower liner, mightcompromise the functionality of the artificial basin.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems describedabove, by providing a method for providing artificial basins, swimmingpools and the like that is simple to implement.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to devise a method forproviding artificial basins, swimming pools and the like that requireslow maintenance.

Another object of the invention is to devise a method for providingartificial basins, swimming pools and the like with high aestheticvalue.

Another object of the invention is to devise a method for providingartificial basins, swimming pools and the like that can be performedwith the aid of raw materials that can be transported and/or obtainedeasily.

Another object of the invention is to devise a method for providingartificial basins, swimming pools and the like that is particularlystable on the installation area.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method forproviding artificial basins, swimming pools and the like that has lowcosts and is relatively easy to provide and of assured application.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparenthereinafter are achieved by a method for providing artificial basins,swimming pools and the like, which consists in

-   -   performing an excavation that corresponds to an artificial basin        according to design specifications;    -   providing a substrate, on surfaces of said excavation, of a type        chosen preferably from a substrate made of non-woven fabric, a        substrate made of a material comprising silica, a substrate made        of gravel, a substrate made of at least partially polymeric        mineral material of non-organic origin, a substrate made of        composite material, a substrate made of polymeric material, a        substrate made of compacted soil/sand, and combinations thereof;    -   arranging equipment and piping for supplying and discharging        water on said substrate;    -   distributing on the substrate and on the overlying equipment and        piping a first layer constituted by a mixture of water, mineral        binder of non-organic origin, sand with low particle size value,        and acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10%        with respect to the non-organic mineral binder, adapted to make        said first layer suitable for the optimum adhesion of additional        layers for lining it;    -   distributing a second layer, which is at least partially        impermeable, constituted by a mixture of water, mineral binder        of non-organic origin, sand with low particle size value,        acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10% with        respect to the non-organic mineral binder, fibers of silica,        glass, hemp and the like, having a length comprised between 1.0        cm and 6 cm, and a material that allows shaping and has a low        relative density, chosen preferably from cork in chips, hemp        fibers, natural fibers, granules of expanded polymeric material,        and the like;    -   after the consolidation of said second layer, shaping the        surface thereof with abrasive tools and instruments, until it is        rendered completely uniform and compliant with the design        standards;    -   spreading at least one third layer constituted by a mixture of        water, mineral binder of non-organic origin, sand with low        particle size value, acrylic resin, in a percentage variable        between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organic mineral        binder, and at least one structural mesh made of fiber of        silica, glass and the like, with at least unidirectional        mechanical properties;    -   spreading a fifth layer, which is impermeable, constituted by a        mixture of water, light-colored mineral binder of non-organic        origin, silica sands with low particle size value, acrylic        resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10% with respect        to the non-organic mineral binder, and fibers of silica, glass,        hemp and the like, having a length comprised between 1.0 cm and        6 cm.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will becomebetter apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusiveembodiment of a method for providing artificial basins, swimming poolsand the like, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first step of the method according tothe invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second step of the method according tothe invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a third step of the method according tothe invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a fourth step of the method according tothe invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a fifth step of the method according tothe invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a sixth step of the method according tothe invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a sixth step of the methodaccording to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the seventh and eighth steps of the methodaccording to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the seventh and eighth stepsof the method according to the invention.

With reference to the figures, a swimming pool obtained applying amethod for providing artificial basins, swimming pools 1 and the likeaccording to the invention, is generally designated by the referencenumeral 1. Such basins/swimming pools 1 may have any shape and size: theaccompanying figures have only a schematic illustrative function and donot constitute in any way a limitation related to the shapes and/ordimensions and/or geometries of the basin/swimming pool 1 that can beprovided by means of the present invention.

In the present description, the expression “material comprising silica”is understood to mean any material comprising at least one binder thatmay be of the calcareous type, calcareous-siliceous type, calciumsilicate-based type, calcium aluminate-based type and the like.

Materials comprising silica therefore also include any cement material,generically comprising calcite or lime: among these, a calcite-basedmortar is of particular interest, although the present invention may beapplied using any cement material.

In the present description, when reference is made to mineral materialsof non-organic origin (including, for example, non-organic polymers andnon-organic binders) these are understood as all mineral materialscomprising siliceous aggregates, aluminous aggregates and the like (ingeneral, therefore, any siliceous and/or silicate-comprising mineral isto be understood as included).

The method according to the invention consists of a series ofconsecutive steps.

During a first step A, which is preventive in nature, it is necessary toperform an excavation 2 that corresponds to an artificial basin that onewants to provide, according to the design specifications. The excavation2 must be performed so that it is stable, using any measure to ensurethat the soil from its upper rim and/or from its walls does not falltherein (on the bottom), drawn by gravity.

Obviously, the possibility of adding and piling up soil (originatingfrom a different area) in a specific area, creating a small hill, onwhich to provide the excavation 2 (after the soil has been properlycompacted and the walls of the hill have been properly consolidated) isnot excluded.

Therefore, it is specified that constructive possibilities of so-called“above-ground” swimming pools may also be provided efficiently by usingthe method according to the invention.

In a second step B it is necessary to provide a substrate 3, on thesurfaces of the excavation 2 (i.e., its side walls 4, on its bottom 5and, optionally, also on a perimetric band 6 which surrounds theexcavation 2).

The substrate 3 is conveniently of a type chosen preferably from asubstrate made of non-woven fabric, a substrate made of a materialcomprising silica, such as in particular a material comprising acalcite-based binder, a substrate made of gravel (for example, lapillus,which might also be of volcanic origin, zeolite, silica gravel and thelike), a substrate made of at least partially polymeric mineral materialof non-organic origin (for example a mineral siliceous material), asubstrate made of composite material, a substrate made of polymericmaterial, a substrate made of compacted soil or sand, and combinationsthereof.

Among the various possibilities of application of the method accordingto the invention in which the substrate 3 is constituted by materialcomprising silica (such as, in particular, a material comprising acalcite-based binder), the case of existing swimming pools made ofconcrete is also included. In particular, in other words, it is possibleto use as substrate 3 on which the basin/swimming pool 1 will beprovided the surfaces of an existing swimming pool made of concrete(providing a kind of renovation, requalification, thereof).

The substrate 3 made of non-woven fabric is particularly useful in allthose cases where the soil that constitutes the walls 4, 5 and,optionally, 6 of the excavation 2 is predominantly constituted by sand,which may mix with the mixture of the layers that will be superimposedsubsequently on the surfaces of the excavation 2: this mixing of sandoriginating from the surfaces of the excavation 2 would jeopardize theproperties of the mixture. The presence of the substrate 3 made offabric ensures the clean separation of the soil from the mixture thatwill be deposited thereon, facilitating a greater stability of thematerials that will be subsequently laid to produce the basin/swimmingpool 1.

Likewise, as an alternative to the non-woven fabric, a substrate made ofa material comprising silica (for example, calcite-basedcalcareous/cement material) may be provided which, once cured, willensure good adhesion to the surfaces of the excavation 2, maintaining agood structural flexibility of the substrate 3. As an alternative, thepossibility is also provided to use a substrate 3 made of sand ofvarious particle sizes (up to gravel) or a substrate 3 made of compactedsoil/sand, which will allow to reach the necessary stability andsolidity of the walls 4, 5 and, optionally, 6 of the excavation 2, butwill require the intervention of operating machines for the spreading ofthe sand (or gravel) and its compaction and/or for the compaction of thesoil which constitutes the walls 4, 5 and, optionally, 6. Also, thepossibility of providing a substrate 3 made of at least partiallypolymeric mineral material of non-organic origin (for example, ofsiliceous mineral and/or siliceous aluminous origin), which, not beingsubject to the action of bacteria, fungi and microorganisms present inthe soil, will ensure optimum mechanical performance and good stabilityof the walls 4, 5 and optionally 6 is not excluded.

In any case the use of a substrate 3 made of composite material and/orof a substrate 3 made of polymeric material is not excluded.

Within the scope of step B, it is specified that it is possible toprovide for the provision of a substrate 3 provided according to anycombination of the examples mentioned above.

In a subsequent step C, it is advisable to arrange the equipment 7 andthe piping 8 for supplying and discharging water on the substrate 3.

The equipment 7 is mainly of the electric type, for lighting, theoptional supply of power to operating devices (control and managementprocessors, pumps, sensors, water heating units, apparatuses forfiltering and disinfection of water, speakers and others) and for theoptional supply of transceivers for the remote control of the variouscomponents that are present. The presence of equipment for forced airconveyance for its use in massage or hydromassage areas is not excluded.

The piping 8 conveys the water (for filling operations, for therecycling thereof necessary for periodic filtering operations, and fordischarging), although the presence of additional piping for conveyingair from a respective compressor (as shown earlier) is not excluded.

A subsequent step D provides for distributing on the substrate 3 and onthe overlying equipment 7 and piping 8 a first layer 9 constituted by amixture of water, mineral binder of non-organic origin, sand with lowparticle size value, and acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between0% and 10% with respect to the non-organic mineral binder.

The mineral binder of non-organic origin described throughout thisdescription is of a type preferably selected from binders comprisingsilica, calcareous-siliceous binders, cement binders, geopolymericbinders, combinations thereof, and the like.

In the present description, all the silica-based binders,calcareous-siliceous binders and cement binders are referenced with asingle (and common) expression, defining them always as binders and/ormaterials comprising silica.

In the present description, acrylic resin is absent in the mixturesconstituting the stratifications that will be described, if suchmixtures include a geopolymeric binder as a non-organic mineral binder.In this case the acrylic resin may be absent (i.e., in a percentageequal to 0%) since its function will be superfluous, because it isalready fulfilled by the chemical-physical properties of thegeopolymeric binder.

It is not excluded to use low percentages of acrylic resin even when ageopolymeric binder is used, if specific particularly severe designconditions must be met (although in general, as discussed above, acrylicresin is absent in mixtures that use geopolymeric binders).

Acrylic resin is present in a percentage comprised between 1% and 10%when instead a binder comprising silica is used (for example,calcite-based calcareous/cement binder).

The first layer 9 is preferably provided using a calcite-based binder,although different embodiments are not excluded.

In particular, it is specified that geopolymeric binders include theentire class of synthetic materials based on aluminosilicates.

By virtue of the adoption of geopolymeric binders in the provision ofthe substrate 3 or in the provision of a first layer 9 it is possible toavoid the adoption of substrates 3 made of non-woven fabric or othermaterials deposited directly on the surfaces of the excavation 2(although it is not excluded, anyway, to use such solutions in the caseof specific embodiments).

The cohesive and chemical-physical characteristics of the geopolymericbinders allow to arrange the first layer 9 directly on a substrate 3obtained exclusively through compaction and leveling of the soil inwhich the excavation 2 is made, with a consequent considerablesimplification of the operating sequence according to the presentinvention, also eliminating the need for materials (for example,non-woven fabric) that are not easy to obtain and transport.

Mainly, the adoption of geopolymeric binders allows to place the firstlayer 9 directly on a substrate 3 obtained by compaction and leveling ofthe surfaces of the excavation 2, ensuring optimal cohesion and thusavoiding the easy separation of the swimming pool/basin 1 from theexcavation 2 that might occur by adopting a non-woven fabric substrate 3in the presence of underground water layers.

It is specified, with reference to the present description as a whole,that whenever calcareous-siliceous binders are used it is necessary tospecify that inside the calcite (neutral calcium carbonate, whosechemical formula is CaCO₃) that constitutes them, a mineral substanceknown belite (dicalcium silicate, whose chemical formula is Ca₂SiO₄) ispresent (or can be formed by chemical reactions with water and siliceousmaterials). Belite plays a fundamental role in calcareous/cementagglomerates since by crystallizing in the presence of water it tends toclose the water paths that can open accidentally (cracks, leaks,inclusions of soluble material), ensuring optimum watertightness of thestructure under construction (basin/swimming pool 1, reservoir orother).

Acrylic resin is present in the first layer 9 only if a bindercomprising silica (for example a calcite-based binder) is used, while itis generally not provided (0% present in terms of percentage) when ageopolymeric binder is used.

It is specified that what has been described in relation to the presenceof acrylic resin only with a binder comprising silica (for example acalcite-based binder) must be considered valid also for the presentdescription as a whole, therefore also hereinafter, when the possibilityto introduce acrylic resin in some mixtures is mentioned.

In general, if a calcite-based binder is used, the acrylic resin has thegoal of rendering it suitable for the optimum adhesion of additionallayers for covering it: said binder behaves, therefore, as a“grip-promoting agent” or a “primer” in order to facilitate correctcoupling with the upper layers.

If a geopolymer is used as a non-organic mineral binder, the presence ofacrylic resin may be avoided, therefore, in each corresponding step ofthe present description.

In practice the first layer 9 ensures that the surface on which thesubsequent lining layers are deposited is perfectly suitable to ensurethe perfect adhesion thereof, allowing to obtain the best structuralperformance by the artificial basin 1 that will be provided.

During a subsequent step E one proceeds to distribute a second layer 10,which is at least partially impermeable and is constituted by a mixtureof water, mineral binder of non-organic origin, sand with low particlesize value, acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10%with respect to the non-organic mineral binder, silica fibers, hempfibers, glass fibers and the like, having a length comprised between 1.0cm and 6 cm, and a material that allows shaping and has a low relativedensity, chosen preferably from cork in chips, hemp fibers, naturalfibers (rich in silica), granules of expanded polymeric material, andthe like.

The fact that the second layer 10 is at least partially impermeable isdue to the intrinsic characteristics of the materials that constitute itin the particular formulation with which they are combined.Watertightness can be also ensured in a total manner, in relation to thespecific requirements of each individual project to be executed. Thematerial used is within the wide type of materials for constructingartificial basins devised by the same Applicant of the presentapplication and known commercially by the name Idrocon® (and at leastpartially described in the following prior Italian patents: No. 1363172,No. 1363726 and No. 1417981).

This second layer 10, by virtue of fibers made of siliceous material,glass fibers, hemp fibers (or in general, any fiber of natural origin)and the like, has excellent mechanical properties and therefore issuitable to give to the basin/swimming pool 1 being provided the correctrigidity and the necessary dimensional stability.

At the end of the consolidation of the second layer 10, which can occurin a short time (substantially measurable in minutes and/or dozens ofminutes) or even in a substantially longer time (days), depending on theclimate conditions and the dosages of the various components of themixture constituting the second layer 10, it is possible to proceed withshaping the surface thereof with abrasive tools and instruments, untilit is rendered fully even and compliant with the design standards.

This shaping is possible because the second layer 10 is the thickest one(on the order of about ten centimeters, although versions in which thethickness of said second layer 10 is even much greater or smaller arenot excluded).

Rasps, files, saws, and tools provided with abrasive, cutting disksand/or belts and the like can be used for the shaping operations.

Subsequently, during a step F, at least one third layer must be spread(according to the examples shown by way of non-limiting example in theaccompanying figures, a third layer 11 and a fourth layer 12 are spread)which is constituted by a mixture of water, mineral binder ofnon-organic origin, sand with low particle size value, acrylic resin, ina percentage variable between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organicmineral binder, and at least one structural mesh made of fiber ofsilica, glass and the like, with at least unidirectional mechanicalproperties.

In particular, the mesh used inside the third layer 11 and the fourthlayer 12 can have, advantageously, a high mechanical tensile strengthwith respect to at least one particular predefined direction: in thismanner the mesh, being embedded in the mixture of the third layer 11 andof the fourth layer 12, is rigidly coupled to the surfaces of thebasin/swimming pool 1 being provided, giving the latter a highmechanical strength and a good flexibility in the privileged tractiondirection (or directions) identified thereby.

The third layer 11 and the fourth layer 12 may be substantiallyidentical to each other, but the mesh made of silica fiber, glass fiberand the like may have different privileged directions of tensilestrength, so as to provide a homogeneous mechanical behavior accordingto distinct and different directions.

This can be obtained simply by using a different orientation of themeshes of the various superimposed layers 11 and 12, so as to ensurethat the finished basin/swimming pool 1 has mechanical properties thatare as uniform as possible.

It is evident that if the basin/swimming pool 1 needs a greatermechanical strength with respect to a particular and specific direction(for design or installation reasons), the meshes may be arranged so asto privilege such direction.

One then proceeds to perform a step G by spreading a fifth layer 13,which is impermeable, constituted by a mixture of water, light-coloredmineral binder of non-organic origin, silica sands with low particlesize value, acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10%with respect to the non-organic mineral binder, and fibers of silica,glass, fibers of hemp and the like, having a length comprised between1.0 cm and 6 cm.

In this case also, watertighteness can be partial or total according tothe requirements expressed in the design; the level of watertightness isobtained from the particular dosage of the components of the mixtureused to provide the fifth layer 13.

This fifth layer 13 (having structural properties) gives the walls 4 andthe bottom 5 (optionally also the perimetric area 6) of thebasin/swimming pool 1 the necessary elasticity, i.e., preventing impactsor mechanical loads from being able to produce fractures or cracks. Thelength of the reinforcement fibers used is in fact such to ensure thebest cohesion between each portion of the basin/swimming pool 1 and theadjoining ones.

Finally, it is possible to perform a further step H of laying of asixth, and last, finishing layer 14 constituted by a mixture of water,binder comprising silica (for example calcareous-siliceous binder basedon calcite), sand, of the final color to be attributed to the artificialbasin being provided, with a grain size ranging between 0.01 mm and 1.8mm, acrylic resin in a percentage variable between 0% and 10% withrespect to the silica-based binder (i.e., calcareous-siliceous and/orcalcareous/cement, for example calcite-based).

This sixth layer 14 (also impermeable) has the purpose of contributingto the final appearance of the basin 1, having the color of the sandused in the mixture and also the surface roughness that depends on theparticle size of the sand itself. The watertightness of the layer 13 isobtained by means of a higher dosage of silica sands in the constitutingmixture and, eventually, by adding a calcite-based binder (which canexploit the impermeabilizing properties of the belite that will beformed therein in the presence of water, as already illustratedearlier).

As in the cases of the layers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 described previously,the acrylic resin, when present in the mixture, ensures the mutualadhesion of the various layers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, while thewatertightness is ensured by the crystals of silica (reference is madeto what has been described earlier in relation to the forming of belitecrystals with an impermeabilizing function within the calcareous/cementbinder, for example based on calcite) that will form naturally duringthe “curing” of the layers (understood as the set of chemical-physicalprocesses that occur in the layers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 during theirconsolidation).

It is specified that, unlike all the embodiments of the known type forproviding basins and/or swimming pools 1 by stratification, the methodaccording to the invention ensures that each one of the superimposedlayers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 is independently water-repellent (at leastpartially), avoiding any impregnation of the layers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, consequently maintaining the initial mechanical properties and theoriginal aesthetic characteristics of the basin and/or the swimming pool1 for an indefinite duration. It is clear that this embodiment allows toobtain basins and/or swimming pools 1 that are substantially free fromthe forming of algae inside the layers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and subjectto minimum bacterial proliferation (since areas of porosity in whichstagnant water could not be reached during cleaning are substantiallyabsent).

It is specified that step A of providing the excavation 2 canconveniently provide that the side walls 4 can have an inclinationcomprised between 20° and 80° with respect to the bottom 5 and aresurrounded by slightly downward-sloping areas 6 that constitute largesteps and perimetric shores.

The specified inclinations ensure optimum adhesion of the layers 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, which spread preferably by spraying the mixtures (byvirtue of specific tools of any type and shape), although it is notexcluded to use casting and/or manual distribution of the mixtures (byusing geopolymer-based mineral binders or mineral binders comprisingsilica).

Optionally, it is not excluded that before arranging the piping 8 andthe equipment 7 (this in relation to its greater mechanical strengthwhich compensates the so-called spray-mix method), it is possible toprovide validly that at least one structural tension member for eachsurface module of predefined area is inserted and locked stably in thewalls 4 and in the bottom 5 of the excavation 2.

In practice, the structural tension member is of the type of threadedbars (with the threaded portion arranged at the end for fixing it),rods, cables and the like, and can be subsequently secured in a rigidand stable manner to the layers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 subsequentlysuperimposed on the substrate 3, for the rigid coupling thereof to thewalls 4 of the excavation 2.

This option is particularly useful if in the area of the excavation 2there is groundwater: in fact any influx of water from the water layersto the excavation 2 (in view of the at least partial water repellency ofthe layers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) would determine a thrust on thebasin/swimming pool 1 that would tend to unseat it from the excavation2; the tension members secure the basin/swimming pool 1 to the ground,preventing the water from the water layers from being able to remove itfrom its own installation seat.

It is also useful to point out that the equipment 7 and the piping 8arranged above the substrate 3 can be conveniently coupled to it bymeans of castings provided by means of a mixture of inert materials (forexample volcanic lapillus and pearlites and the like) and non-organicmineral binder (therefore calcareous-siliceous or geopolymeric or cementbinder and the like), arranging the piping 8 so that only portions ofrigid or flexible tubes protrude toward the inside of the concavity ofthe excavation 2.

In this manner the correct arrangement of the equipment 7 and of thepiping 8 is ensured and stabilized and they do not risk being movedaccidentally during the arrangement of the overlying first layer 9.

Furthermore, it is specified that the mixture used to provide the firstlayer 9 can conveniently be constituted by a part of solid premix, whichcomprises non-organic mineral binder (for example based on calcite orbased on geopolymers) and sand with low particle size, and a part of amixture of water and, optionally, acrylic resin (the latter, if present,in low percentage in order to prevent the layer 9, once finished, fromhaving a rubber-like consistency: said first layer 9 in fact must besubstantially rigid).

Acrylic resin may be present within the mixture in a percentage thatvaries from 0% to 10% with respect to the non-organic mineral binder (itis completely absent, 0%, when a geopolymeric binder is used).

The mixture of water and acrylic resin (both in the liquid state)simplifies the impregnation of the substrate 3, with consequent increaseof the cohesion of the first layer 9 to the substrate 3.

According to an embodiment of unquestionable interest in practice and inapplication, it is specified that the fibers of silica, glass, hemp andthe like, comprised in the second layer 10, can advantageously have alength comprised between 1.2 cm and 5 cm and be present in a percentagecomprised between 3% and 5%.

This concentration and these lengths allow to obtain the mechanicalcharacteristics most suitable for the aim, combining rigidity andelasticity of the material, without introducing tangible increases inits weight.

Moreover, it is noted that the material that constitutes the secondlayer 10 is mixed by means of a cement mixer, with the addition of waterand acrylic resin (the latter, present when one uses a binder based onsilica, for example based on calcite, is introduced in a low percentagein order to prevent that the layer 10, once finished, from having arubber-like consistency: this layer 10 in fact also must besubstantially rigid). In particular, the acrylic resin (in the presenceof a calcareous/cement binder, for example a calcite-based binder) ispresent with respect to water in a percentage that can vary between 1%and 10% with reference to the weight of the non-organic mineral binder(more specifically in a percentage that can vary between 3% and 7% withrespect to the non-organic mineral binder, for example a calcite-basedbinder). As already described previously several times, acrylic resin isgenerally absent if a geopolymeric binder is used.

The second layer 10 has a substantially uniform thickness of less than10 cm (in some cases it may also have an infinitesimal thickness),preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm, fully lining the excavation 2 up tothe end of the areas 6 (perimetric shores that constitute a contiguousand slightly downward-sloping portion arranged around the side walls 4thereof).

With particular reference to an embodiment of unquestionable interest inpractice and in application, the second layer 10 may favorably comprisesolid shaped components made of a material with low relative density, ofthe type of an expanded polymer, and arranged so as to rest on the firstlayer 9.

The solid shaped components are preferably chosen from steps, seats,decorative shaped blocks, functional shaped blocks, and the like. By wayof example the possibility is noted to provide slides, seats and/orareas with particular shapes having a scenic effect which, once lined bythe subsequent layers 11, 12, 13, 14, have the same aesthetic appearanceas the rest of the basin and/or swimming pool 1 (and therefore arecompletely embedded and integrated therein).

It is specified that the third layer 11 (and also any additional fourthlayers 12 superimposed on the third layer 11) may validly comprise asuperimposition of at least two stratifications: at least one firststratification comprises at least one mesh with at least unidirectionalmechanical properties along the direction of the length of thebasin/swimming pool 1, at least one second stratification comprising atleast one mesh with at least unidirectional mechanical properties alongthe direction of the width of the basin/swimming pool 1.

In practice each third layer 11 (and optionally also the fourth layer 12superimposed thereon) may comprise multiple meshes distributed withdifferent orientation in order to ensure that a mechanical behaviorcomplying with the design requirements is obtained.

With reference to a possible embodiment illustrated by way ofnon-limiting example, it is noted that the meshes used may have atensile strength, along the at least one direction of action, of no lessthan 2100 N for each strip of 5 cm of width.

Moreover, it is specified that at least one between the fifth layer 13and the sixth layer 14, which are impermeable and finishing layers, mayconveniently comprise sand with a particle size that can vary between0.02 mm and 1.5 mm, acrylic resin in a percentage that can vary between3% and 7% with respect to the water and anti-filming additives, in orderto avoid the forming of surface films on the layer, and anti-crackingadditives, in order to avoid cracks of said layer 13 (or the layer 14).If instead the fifth layer 13 and the sixth layer 14 adopt ageopolymeric binder, the presence of the acrylic resin is superfluousand therefore it may be omitted in the respective mixture.

Moreover, the sixth impermeable layer 14 (by virtue of the forming ofsilica crystals described previously and by virtue of the additionalpresence of calcite-based binder, which ensures the forming of belite inpresence of water, which, as seen previously, has an impermeabilizingfunction, may advantageously be subjected, within 3-5 hours of itsspreading, to a combing of the silica sands by means of polymericspatulas in order to highlight and optimize aesthetically the surfaceand make it more uniform and smooth: this operation will make eachgranule of sand more visible, giving a particularly pleasant overallappearance. It is not excluded, in any case, that the same treatmentmight be performed on the fifth layer 13 as well.

It has thus been shown that the artificial basins/swimming pools 1provided by following the method according to the invention areinnovative and original since:

-   -   they do not require the presence of preventive concrete castings        (although it is not excluded, in some cases, to provide a        substrate 3 at least even partially made of concrete);    -   they can incorporate inside them scenic settings depicting        rocks, stones, sand, and the like with particularly small        thicknesses (even just 1 cm);    -   they can incorporate inside them dedicated shapes, without the        need to provide them in concrete, such as chaises longues,        seats, islands, decorative walls, technical elements for        whirlpool bath, and the like;    -   they are impermeable from the surface without the need to use        cement mixtures made impermeable by a high component of acrylic        resin thereof, which, being rubbery, might be subject to great        deterioration over time, losing the impermeabilizing properties        (due to the deterioration caused by solar radiation,        microorganisms and algae);    -   they use the presence of crystals of silica in the mixture of        the constituents of each layer in order to obtain the        watertightness of each layer 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, without        assigning this task to the acrylic resin (the only goal of which        is to allow better cohesion between sand of silica, limestone,        fibers of silica, and which, if a geopolymeric binder is used,        is even superfluous).

The mechanical performance of the basin/swimming pool 1 according to theinvention are ensured also by the presence of the structural meshes madeof fiber of silica (or glass fiber).

It is specified that, from a constructive point of view, the layers 9,11, 12, 13, 14 have a thickness of few centimeters (indicatively between1 and 5 cm); only the layer 10 will have a greater thickness up to evenabout ten centimeters (constructive solutions in which this layer 10 hasa thickness even greater than 10 cm are not excluded, in the case offorming of specific volumes for design requirements).

In general, with reference to an embodiment that is particularlyefficient and of optimum installation, all the layers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14 may preferably comprise acrylic resin in a percentage comprisedbetween 3% and 7% with respect to the binder comprising silica (forexample a calcite-based binder).

The layers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, if a geopolymeric binder is adoptedtherein, do not require the presence of acrylic resin, which thereforebecomes an optional ingredient (which generally will not be adopted).

Advantageously, the present invention solves the problems describedabove, devising a method for providing artificial basins, swimming pools1 and the like of simple implementation.

Conveniently, the method according to the invention allows to provideswimming pools and artificial basins that require limited maintenance.

Positively, the method according to the invention allows to provideartificial basins, swimming pools 1 and the like of high aestheticvalue.

Usefully, the method according to the invention can be performed withthe aid of raw materials which are easily transportable and/orobtainable.

Favorably, the method according to the invention is particularly stableon the installation area.

Validly, the method according to the invention is relatively simple toprovide in practice and of low cost: these characteristics make themethod according to the invention an innovation of assured application.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modificationsand variations, all of which are within the scope of the appendedclaims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with othertechnically equivalent elements.

For example, it is not excluded, optionally and only in particularapplications, to add to the layers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 silicone-basedpowder additives to increase their degree of surface watertightness:such additives (if present) will be introduced in a percentage variablebetween 0.1% and 1% with respect to the non-organic mineral binder.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given inrelation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with otherdifferent characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be anyaccording to the requirements and the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102020000029654 fromwhich this application claims priority are incorporated herein byreference.

1. A method for providing artificial basins, swimming pools, the methodincludes the following steps: performing an excavation that correspondsto an artificial basin according to design specifications, providing asubstrate, on surfaces of said excavation, said substrate chosen from asubstrate made of nonwoven fabric, a substrate made of a materialcomprising silica, a substrate made of gravel, a substrate made of atleast partially polymeric mineral material of non-organic origin, asubstrate made of composite material, a substrate made of polymericmaterial, a substrate made of compacted soil/sand, and combinationsthereof, arranging equipment and piping for supplying and dischargingwater on said substrate, distributing on the substrate and on overlyingequipment and piping a first layer constituted by a mixture of water,mineral binder of non-organic origin, sand with low particle size value,and acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10% withrespect to the non-organic mineral binder, adapted to render said firstlayer suitable for the adhesion of additional layers for lining,distributing a second layer, which is at least partially impermeable,constituted by a mixture of water, mineral binder of non-organic origin,sand with low particle size value, acrylic resin, in a percentagevariable between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organic mineralbinder, fibers of silica, glass, and hemp, having a length comprisedbetween 1.0 cm and 6 cm, and a material that allows shaping and has alow relative density, chosen from cork in chips, hemp fibers, naturalfibers, and granules of expanded polymeric material, after consolidationof said second layer, shaping the surface of said second layer withabrasive tools and instruments, until the surface is rendered completelyuniform and compliant with the design standards, spreading at least onethird layer constituted by a mixture of water, mineral binder ofnon-organic origin, sand with low particle size value, acrylic resin, ina percentage variable between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organicmineral binder, and at least one structural mesh made of fiber ofsilica, and glass, with at least unidirectional mechanical properties,and spreading a fifth layer, which is impermeable, constituted by amixture of water, light-colored mineral binder of non-organic origin,silica sands with low particle size value, acrylic resin, in apercentage variable between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organicmineral binder, and fibers of silica, glass, and hemp, having a lengthcomprised between 1.0 cm and 6 cm.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein said mineral binder of non-organic origin is chosen from abinder comprising silica, a calcareous-siliceous binder, acalcareous/cement binder, a geopolymeric binder, and a combinationthereof.
 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a sixthand last impermeable finishing layer constituted by a mixture of: water,mineral binder of non-organic origin, sand of a final color to be givento the artificial basin being provided, with particle size variablebetween 0.01 mm and 1.8 mm, and acrylic resin in a percentage variablebetween 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organic mineral binder. 4.The method according to claim 1, wherein the mixture used to providesaid first layer is constituted by a part of solid premix, whichcomprises non-organic mineral binder and sand with low particle size,and a part of a mixture of water and acrylic resin in a percentagevariable between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organic mineralbinder.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fibers ofsilica, glass, and hemp comprised in said second layer have a lengthcomprised between 1.2 cm and 5 cm and are present in a percentagecomprised between 3% and 5%.
 6. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe material of said second layer is mixed by a concrete mixer, with theaddition of water and acrylic resin in a percentage variable between 3%and 7% with respect to the binder comprising silica, and is distributedfor a thickness comprised between 2 cm and 10 cm, coating completely theexcavation up to a portion that is contiguous and slightlydownward-sloping which is arranged to surround the side walls of saidexcavation, said portion providing perimetric shores.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein said second layer comprises shaped solidcomponents made of a material with low relative density of an expandedpolymer and arranged to rest on said first layer, said shaped solidcomponents being chosen from steps, seats, decorative shaped blocks, andfunctional shaped blocks.
 8. The method according to claim 1, whereinsaid third layer is constituted by an overlap of at least twostratifications, at least one first stratification comprising at leastone mesh with mechanical properties which are at least unidirectionalalong the direction of the length of the basin, at least one secondstratification comprising at least one mesh with mechanical propertieswhich are at least unidirectional along the direction of the width ofthe basin, said meshes having a tensile strength, along the at least onedirection of action, of no less than 2100 N for each strip of 5 cm ofwidth.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one betweensaid fifth layer and said sixth layer, which are impermeable finishinglayers, comprises sand with a particle size that can vary between 0.02mm and 1.5 mm, acrylic resin in a percentage that can vary between 3%and 7% with respect to the binder based on calcite, comprising belite toincrease its degree of surface watertightness also in terms ofdurability, and anti-filming additives, configured to avoid the formingof surface films on the layer, and anti-cracking additives, configuredto prevent cracking of the layer.
 10. The method according to claim 1,wherein said geopolymeric binder comprises synthetic materials based onaluminosilicates.